You don't need to be an astronaut to participate in the space
program. You can tune in space satellites with radios you can buy
at your local Radio Shack store. You can even talk to the Astronauts and
Cosmonauts if you get your Ham Radio license. This is because ham radio
is one of the few hobbies you can take with you to the International
Space Station. AMSAT,
the Amateur Radio Satellite Organization is made up of ham radio operators
who build their own satellites, and launch them as secondary payloads with
various rockets that go into space. Contact the
American Radio Relay League, or a local
ham radio club for more information. You can also request an information
packet by e-mailing newham@arrl.org

Another way you can really help the space program is by writing
letters to your Congressman, and to both U S Senators from your state, and
let them know that you want them to support the NASA Budget. NASA can't
fly missions, without the funding from Congress.